Name: Olga O’Sullivan

Member of Eagle AC since: March 2018

How long have you been running & what made you take it up: I’m an outdoors nut who works in finance… I dabbled in running many years ago but only really took it up at the end of 2014. It is easier to fit in a run between the job and family commitments than go surfing, hiking, climbing or open water swimming. (I still do all this but just not enough.)

Favourite thing about running: Running makes me feel free and lets me push my limits. You meet inspiring people at the races and become part of the local running community. It clears the head; it’s my therapy! Once, I came home after a long day at work, had a look around, and instead of giving out to everyone about the mess, went upstairs, put my gear on, ran out the door and didn’t stop for 20k. After I came back, nothing bothered me anymore, so it clearly works.

Favourite race distance to run: Not 5k! I like anything that requires a bit of endurance and I pace myself better at longer races…

What is your main goal for this year: Not to get injured and be out of action; also, more trails and mountain running.

Your best race/most memorable racing moment to date: I absolutely loved Roscarberry Surf,Turf n’Tar half marathon this year! My sort of race: forest trails, the beach, sand dunes, pontoons, hills, more hills & a bit of the road; plus I couldn’t believe it when I ended up the 3rd woman to cross the finish line.

Tell us something most people might not know about you: In what feels like a former lifetime, I used to be a professional violin player and I met my Irish husband while we both lived in India.

Biggest heroes (sporting or non-sporting): I love the “every day heroes”. I encountered so many inspiring people in my life through travelling and volunteering. For example, the parents, kids & volunteers at Surf2Heal are all simply awesome.

One bit of advice you would give to someone thinking of taking up running: Enjoy it and join Eagle AC – a lovely bunch of people to train with, one of the best decisions I made this year.

3 things you would take with you onto a desert island: Runners, hiking boots and a surfboard.